Magical...

Monday night another dream came true...seeing U2! It's hard to put into words, but everything about it was overwhelming and exceeded my expectations. Since we bought our tickets on-line from the U.S. they were all scattered around the MASSIVE stadium. So we huddled together in a little pod and moved around one of the sections so the ushers wouldn't find us out. The great thing was when the music started everyone was so entranced that they forgot about all the people not by their seats. We ended up at the railing of the second level, looking directly down at the stage. Our section was the first to see them as they walked out from backstage. The place erupted...especially the uncoordinated, middle-aged Dutch man standing directly beside me. For two hours he waved his arms wildly and sang off key, elbowing everyone around him when a song he particularly liked was played. There really was a sense of freedom in the place and no matter what anyone says about Bono, the lyrics to their songs are so worshipful. I totally think people in that place sensed something so much bigger than themselves during songs like "Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For," "With or Without You," "Where the Streets Have No Name," "One," and "Walk On." It was intense. No one wanted it to end and as the crowd left the stadium (where the big soccer matches are held) everyone was still singing. Another U2 concert is definitely on the docket...although I don't know if it could be in the U.S...there was something really powerful about looking out over the crowd and seeing flags from so many nations waving proudly. I'm hoping for a show at the Pyramids where Bono rappels down onto the stage...hey a girl can dream, right? The playlist (apart from the new CD, which he played all of) for other U2 nerds like me... Mysterious Ways With or Without You Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For Vertigo Beautiful Day Angel of Haarlem Pride Sunday Bloody Sunday Walk On Streets Have No Name One City of Blinding Lights In a Little While And here are a few photos from my phone...not great resolution, but you get the idea... Thanks again for your continued prayers and support. We are still making lots of connections...the treasure hunt continues! Today we are meeting with a professor of Women's Studies at The University of Amsterdam. Legit, huh? More later. Love to all of you, Cal